Nigeria declares 58 universities illegal

Monday, May 28, 2018 9:55

By MOHAMMED MOMOH |

Students try to pass a gate after following the closure of the University of Lagos on April 8, 2016. Nigerian authorities have shut 58 universities in a crackdown against questionable academic institutions. FILE PHOTO|NMG

Abuja

Nigerian authorities have shut 58 universities in a crackdown against questionable academic institutions.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), which grants approvals for establishment of universities and academic programmes, explained that the institutions violated minimum standards.

The universities, many of which have their headquarters abroad, would no longer be allowed to operate in any part of Nigeria.

NUC warned against patronising the affected institution as their certificates would not be recognised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), employment and further studies.

The blacklisted institutions include the University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State; University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos, University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Blacksmith University, Akwa.

Volta University College, HO, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria; Royal University, Izhia, Ebonyi State; Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi state; United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses; and United Nigeria University College, Okija in Anambra State have also been blacklisted.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk,” NUC’s Director of Information, Mr Ibrahim Yakassai, said.

Mr Yakassai warned that the law enforcement agencies had been notified for further action.

The commission would not relent in its effort to shut every illegal institution in the country, he said.

NUC confirmed that a senator was a holder of an invalid PhD certificate as the institution he attended was among the illegal ones.